Tezpur, known as Sonitpur (city of blood) of Puranic fame, is associated with the legend of princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna for their eternal love and romance. The great mythological war believed to have been fought between Hari(Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva) and as a result the whole city was said to have been drenched in blood, hence the name.

Situated on the north bank of the majestic river Brahmaputra, Tezpur town is of magnificient scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. It is the headquarters of Sonitpur district and is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of the state.

Undulated green valleys surrounded by the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, with snow capped peaks of the Himalayas as the northern backdrop, lush green tea gardens and magnificient archaeological ruins have all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight. Her contribution to art, culture, literature particularly her contribution to the freedom struggle have earned for Tezpur a unique niche in the history of Assam.

In 1942, for the first time in entire British India, the tricolour (Indian flag) was hoisted in the police station at Gahpur, a quiet mofussil town under Sonitpur district. Fourteen year old Kanaklata braved British bullets and died holding the national flag aloft.

Major Other Attractions In and Around Tezpur

The ruins of Bamuni hill is famous for its artistic beauty. The sculpture remains which dates back to the 9th and 10th century A.D. now lie in the Cole park and Missionary compound.

The large tank preserves the name Harzara Varman in Tezpur. It was excavated in the early part of the 19th century. This is the third largest tank covering an area of 70 acres.

It is one of the most beautiful places in the town. The park which was first established by a British Deputy Commissioner, Mr Cole, is the place for peace loving people. Here one can see the two massive ornamental stone pillars and the sculptural remains of the famous Bamuni Hills.

Surrounded by mystic blue hills and evergreen forests, Bhalukpung is situated on the bank of the river Jia Bharali. It is only 64 kms. from Tezpur and is on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is famous for its unique natural beauty, angling and rafting. Far from the madding crowd Bhalukpung is a place of peace and tranquility.It is only 56 kms from Tezpur town.

Other attractions of Bhalukpung are a hot spring and an Eco-Camp at Potasil.

This hilly town is the headquarters of the Karbi-Anglong district. Diphu is the centre of Karbi art and culture. The indigenous tribe of karbi Anglong, the Karbis, are well known for their hospitality and colourful culture.

A mammoth stone inscription made by the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan, who planned to construct a bridge over Brahmaputra is seen here. Almost two centuries later, a bridge over Brahmaputra at the same place has now been completed. The 3.05 km. bridge named after the great Ahom general, connecting Nagaon district with Tezpur was opened for vehicular traffic by the then Prime Minister of India Late Rajiv Gandhi on April 3, 1987.